Confederation Cup: Holders TP Mazembe through to group phase

The African Confederation Cup holders, TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, booked their place in the group phase of this year’s tournament with a 0-0 draw away to JS Kabylie in Algeria on Sunday.

Mazembe – who won the home leg of their play-off 2-0 last weekend – held off Kabylie’s challenge to continue the defence of their crown.

There was a big shock in Abidjan as former African Champions League winners, Asec Mimosas, were knocked out by CF Mounana of Gabon.

Mimosas went into their home leg needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, but despite fielding a side including the likes of Burkina Faso star Aristide Bancé, the match ended 0-0 with Mounana going through 2-1 on aggregate.

Also on Sunday, Platinum Stars of South Africa squeezed past another Ivorian side AS Tanda to progress 5-4 on penalties after their tie had ended 2-2 on aggregate.

The South Africans went into their home leg in Rustenburg trailing 2-0 overall, but fought back to take the tie to spot-kicks and book their place in the group phase.

It was much more straightforward for another South African side, SuperSport United, who overwhelmed Liberia’s Barrack Young Controllers 5-0 in Pretoria.

A hat-trick from Jeremy Brockie helped SuperSport United take the tie 6-1 on aggregate.

Sudan’s Al Hilal Obeid defeated Ports Authority of the Gambia 3-0 at home to progress 4-1 on aggregate.